SMAD inhibition attenuates epithelial to mesenchymal transition by primary keratinocytes in vitro.

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process whereby epithelial cells undergo transition to a mesenchymal phenotype and contribute directly to fibrotic disease. Recent studies support a role for EMT in cutaneous fibrotic diseases including scleroderma and hypertrophic scarring, although there is limited data on the cytokines and signalling mechanisms regulating cutaneous EMT. We investigated the ability of TGF-ß and TNF-α, both overexpressed in cutaneous scleroderma and central mediators of EMT in other epithelial cell types, to induce EMT in primary keratinocytes and studied the signalling mechanisms regulating this process. TGF-ß induced EMT in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK cells), and this process was enhanced by TNF-α. EMT was characterised by changes in morphology, proteome (down-regulation of E-cadherin and Zo-1 and up-regulation of vimentin and fibronectin), MMP secretion and COL1α1 mRNA expression. TGF-ß and TNF-α in combination activated SMAD and p38 signalling in NHEK cells. P38 inhibition with SB203580 partially attenuated EMT, whereas SMAD inhibition using SB431542 significantly inhibited EMT and also reversed established EMT. These data highlight the retained plasticity of adult keratinocytes and support further studies of EMT in clinically relevant in vivo models of cutaneous fibrosis and investigation of SMAD inhibition as a potential therapeutic intervention.

Ciprofloxacin-induced phototoxicity in an adult cystic fibrosis population.

The incidence of phototoxicity as a side effect of ciprofloxacin appears to be increased in patients with cystic fibrosis compared to the general population (approximately 2.4%). We used an interview-based questionnaire to determine the incidence of such phototoxic skin reactions in cystic fibrosis patients. Results from 105 respondents revealed the incidence of ciprofloxacin-induced phototoxicity in the adult cystic fibrosis population in Northern Ireland to be 48.4% with only 66% of the patients recalling being given sun care information beforehand. We concluded that the incidence of phototoxicity is increased in patients with cystic fibrosis and that it is important for all to receive good sun care information prior to taking ciprofloxacin given the high risk of developing phototoxic rash.

Sclerodermatous chronic graft-versus-host disease--a report of four pediatric cases.

The sclerodermatous variant of chronic graft-versus-host disease postallogeneic bone marrow transplantation is rare. We present four pediatric cases of sclerodermatous variant of chronic graft-versus-host disease describing their clinical appearance, management, and outcomes. We compare the pharmacologic and supportive therapies administered to these patients with the management suggested in the current literature. Several key findings were noted. There was a significantly higher mortality rate observed in this series compared with previous reports, with three of the four patients dying ultimately as a result of sclerodermatous variant of chronic graft-versus-host disease. The development of widespread ulceration, in two of the four patients, appeared to be associated with an overall deterioration in the clinical condition. In two patients high-dose thalidomide at 12 mg/kg/day seemed to halt the progression of cutaneous disease. Optimal care of sclerodermatous variant of chronic graft-versus-host disease patients required a multidisciplinary team. A lack of community services observed in this case series led to the need for unnecessarily prolonged inpatient admissions.